As the temperature starts to rise and the sun begins to fall just a bit later, we know that spring is finally upon us. Spring at Chi Omega is such a busy and exciting time for our chapter. There are so many exciting events to look forward to and so much on our bucket list before the semester comes to a close. Here are 10 of our bucket list items for this spring in Gainesville!
1. Sandblast
One of our favorite days of the year is coming so soon. On Saturday, March 19th, 2022, members of the UF and Gainesville community will gather at the Southwest Rec Sand Volleyball Courts to raise funds for the Make-A-Wish foundation. Our sisters are so excited to coach these teams and grant wishes. We can’t wait to watch Claire Shuckys and Allie Henderson put on such a spectacular event for our chapter.
2. Visiting Ginnie Springs
What is spring without a day trip to the springs? With classes and extracurricular activities piling up, spending a sunny Saturday out in the Florida sun floating down the Santa Fe River is the perfect way to de-stress. We can’t wait to grab a sister and jump in that clear, cold water.
3. "Dancing Through the Decades" Date Function
Whether you are in the Roaring ‘20s, Groovy ‘60s, Disco ‘70s, Retro ‘80s or throwing it back to the ‘90s, we’re gonna be dancing the night away. We can’t wait to ‘grab a date’ and head to our “Dancing Through the Decades” date function. Internal Social Chair Lauren Conklin has planned quite the night for us!
4. Dance Marathon
This year, we are so lucky to have our sister Alexis Pollak as the Executive Director for Dance Marathon 2022. The weekend of March 26-27, a handful of our sisters will pack into the O’ Connell Center for 26.2 hours to raise funds and support for the Miracle Families at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital which is our local Children’s Miracle Network hospital. This is such an exciting event for our chapter and we can’t wait to see all that is accomplished!
5. Picnicking in Plaza
A spring essential for all Chi Omegas has been spending a day in Plaza of the Americas. Whether we’re laying out in a hammock, reading a book, listening to music, grabbing Krishna lunch or getting homework done on a picnic table, you’ll be sure to find a Chi O enjoying the spring weather at the Plaza of the Americas.
6. Sisterhood Retreat
Although our Sisterhood Chair is keeping the destination top secret, we can’t wait to spend the day with the chapter on our sisterhood retreat. A day of fun and relaxation with our whole chapter is just what we need before finals. Grab your favorite bus snacks and fanny pack because this day is sure to be a blast!
7. Hammocking on the Back Porch
This spring is a chance to beat the record for how many hammocks can be stacked on the back porch at one time. There are books to be read, Netflix shows to be binged and lectures to be watched. The best way to get these done is with a hammock and a few sisters on the 807 back porch.
8. Florida Gators Baseball Game
The Florida Ballpark is the perfect place to spend a warm Florida spring night. The Gators are currently ranked #9 in the NCAA and are sure to have an exciting season. What’s better than cheering on the gators with Albert and Alberta and, of course, your Chi O sisters.
9. Formal
One of the most exciting events of our semester is the White Carnation Ball. We will get all dolled up, put on our best dresses and head out of Gainesville for an elegant night. This is the perfect way to celebrate a great semester before we wrap up the school year.
10. Graduation
The most bittersweet part of the spring: graduation. We are so happy to see our seniors make it to the end of their four years and celebrate all of their accomplishments, but we are so sad to see them go. Our chapter will not be the same without MC ‘18. They will all flourish in their next endeavors and we will always be their biggest cheerleaders.
There is so much to look forward to this spring! We can’t wait to check all of these items off our bucket list and make Spring 2022 one to remember.
With love always,
Illy McCabe
MC ‘20